The FDA and ADA Position on Mercury Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic. The World Health Organization (WHO) and OSHA treat mercury as an occupational hazard and require specialized training in, “the occupational handling of mercury”. In 2005, the WHO warned that, “Mercury may cause harmful effects to the nervous, digestive, respiratory, immune systems and kidneys besides causing lung damage”. The FDA’s position and recommendations on dental amalgams has been modified at least three times in the last 10 years. The FDA states, “Dental amal- gams are strong, long lasting, and are the least expensive type of filling material…FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above”. Recently, the FDA has modified its views on amalgam, (Dec. 2017 update), spe- cifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women. As of 2018, the European Union has this age at 15 and above. ADA considers, “Dental amalgams safe, affordable, and durable material,” and that the, “current and available data are insufficient to sup- port an association between mercury release from dental fillings and the various complaints attribut- ed to it” (2003-2004). These statements have been re-affirmed by the Council on Scientific Affairs year after year 2004-2009; then reaffirmed once again in the, “Update on Safety Concerns” in 2013.
Certain Groups are at a Greater Risk As recent as a few weeks ago, the FDA has announced that, “certain groups might be at a greater risk for potential harmful health effects of mercury vapor released from the mercury con- taining fillings”. And that, “certain groups of high risk individuals should avoid them”. Read between the lines, finally the information is getting out. What does the rest of the world have to say?
Although only two countries have banned the use of amalgam fillings, Norway and Sweden (2008- 2009), several other nations have recommended the, “eventual eradication of dental amalgams in dentistry”. In 2013 the Minemata Convention on Mercury, an international environmental agree- ment designed to protect human health and the environment from mercury emissions and com- pounds, was signed. This Treaty, signed by over 140 countries, (including European Union, US, Japan, UK, Israel, and the Netherlands) addressed and agreed that dental amalgams and, “their use must be phased down through a number of measures”. This agreement recognized the ability of mercury to bioaccumulate in the ecosystem and its significant negative effects on human health and the environment. Another reason why the EPA requires every dental office to have an amal- gam separator installed.
Options for Safe Mercury Removal and Mercury Free Restorations
There are alternatives to silver fillings, including bonded composite resins, porcelain, and zirconia to name a few. Although each material has its application, no material is without its limita- tions. Patients should get to know their dentist and ask questions as to their specific needs. Not only are there mercury free restorations, but fluoride free as well as BPA-free alternatives and Bis-GMA free alternatives. There are also pre-treatment protocols in place and post-treat- ment adjuncts to help mobilize and detox. Each patient needs to work with his Functional MD, Integrative Doctor, nutritionist or HCP/PCP, so that an individualized plan is mapped and the road to recovery is less of a biological burden and outcomes are positive. Compatibility also matters. These tests look
for antibodies and whether or not a person has a “mismatch” or is highly reactive to a certain material. I strongly encourage patients to have a Biocompatibility test especially if their toxic burden is high, have difficulty methyl- ating, have Lyme Disease, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzhiemer’s, or an autoimmune disorder. It is important to note and understand the differ- ence between “Mercury Free” Dentists and “Mercury Safe” Dentists, who practice and utilize equipment and safety measures when removing amalgam fillings.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:
1. Ask your dentist questions. 2. Make sure you research their certifications and qualifications.
3. Find out your compatibility with a Biocompat- ibility test.
4. Stay healthy!
Disclaimer: Although the FDA and the ADA do not encour- age the removal of amalgams for toxicological purposes only, everything should be considered. Inflammatory processes, genetic predispositions, genome variants, general health, nutritional con- siderations and pH environment should be closely considered, to name a few. The more inflamma- tory processes an individual has, the more their oral health will be impacted. The most important step in your health is a comprehensive exam. Talk to your dentist! Just like every patient is differ- ent, every dentist is different. Read the research, do your homework and keep an open, forward thinking mind. •
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD is a graduate of Tufts University Dental School and her memberships include: ADA, FDA, AACD, and IAOMT and IABDM. She is SMART Certi- fied, uses the PRO- TECT Protocol and is currently working on her fellowships. She is a practicing Biolog- ical dentist in the Naples area for over 25 years. Dr. Perez focuses on the under- lying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflam- mation and apply biocompatible and biomimetic materials, supplements, essential oils to restore and strengthen the oral cavity and ultimately, the whole body. After decades of restoring and transforming smiles, Dr. Perez has integrated total wellness into her oral health enhance- ment Practice - a revolutionary style of dentistry. www.
thesmilefairy.com.
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13
ESSENTIAL Naples
FALL 2020
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